GStreamer State of the Union

GStreamer Overview

GStreamer, a powerful multimedia framework, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Founded by Wim Thaymans, it remains a cornerstone for multimedia applications thanks to its dedicated community and ongoing innovation.

Community Updates

GStreamer has modernized its communication tools:

• Matrix has replaced IRC as the primary chat platform.
• Mailing lists were retired in favor of a Discourse forum, offering enhanced functionality like code highlighting and threaded discussions.

Release Cycle Enhancements

The latest stable release, 1.24, launched in March 2023. Efforts are underway to reduce the release cycle to 6–9 months, aiming for greater responsiveness to user needs.

Transition to Rust

GStreamer is integrating Rust to improve safety, performance, and maintainability:

• Rust-based plugins are now supported across Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.
• The RTP/RTSP stack has been partially rewritten in Rust to address maintainability and security.

WebRTC Improvements

WebRTC integration in GStreamer has been upgraded for better browser compatibility and ultra-low latency streaming. It supports seamless hardware encoding and offers pre-configured tools for video conferencing and media streaming via WebRTC.

Advances in Codecs and Formats

GStreamer continues to expand its codec and format support:

• New additions include JPEG XS, LCEVC, and updates to H.265.
• Improved support for pixel formats, high-depth Bayer video, and Vulkan-based video specifications.

Streaming and Synchronization Technologies

GStreamer now supports:

• Pipeline splitting, which divides streaming workflows for improved robustness and debugging.
• Enhanced synchronization via protocols like PTP and RFC 7273.

Future Directions

1. Expanding the use of Rust for new features and rewrites.
2. Deepening support for machine learning and analytics integration.
3. Enhancing cross-platform capabilities, including Windows and macOS optimizations.